BMW CarPlay: identifying your iDrive system and choosing the right interface
CarPlay Auto
Installing CarPlay on a BMW is not just about choosing a 3 Series or an X5. What determines the right BMW CarPlay box is the onboard iDrive multimedia system: CCC, CIC, NBT, NBT EVO (ID4, ID5, ID6) or MGU (ID7). This guide teaches you how to identify it using a few simple clues, then how to choose the box that adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to your original screen, without changing anything else.
Why the iDrive system matters more than your BMW model
A CarPlay box plugs in behind the original screen, into the vehicle's connectors. It remains invisible, preserves the original screen and functions, and adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. To achieve this, it must communicate with the existing multimedia system. However, this system is not the same depending on the generation of your car.
BMW has updated it several times without changing model names. A 2008 5 Series and a 2018 5 Series have neither the same screen, nor the same dial, nor the same connectors. A box designed for a CIC is not intended for an NBT, and vice versa.
This is why every product sheet in our BMW collection indicates the system in its title: 3 Series CCC, 3 Series CIC, 3 Series NBT, 3 Series EVO. The system depends on the model and year, and the boundary between two generations is not always clear. Hence the importance of verifying, which we do before each shipment.
Recognizing your system: CCC, CIC, NBT, NBT EVO or MGU
Three clues are sufficient in most cases: the shape of the iDrive controller (the dial on the center console), the appearance of the main menu, and the vehicle year. The year benchmarks below are indicative. The product page and the site selector are the final authority.
CCC (approx. 2003 to 2008): the first iDrive generation
The controller is a large dial accompanied by a MENU button, generally without a ring of shortcut buttons around it. On the screen, the home menu is divided into quadrants (communication, navigation, entertainment, climate), with angular graphics and few colors. If the menu looks like a compass rose, you are most likely using CCC. Example box: BMW 3 Series CCC CarPlay Box [2006-2009] at €259.
CIC (2008 to 2012): the dial surrounded by buttons
With CIC, the dial is framed by a ring of physical buttons (MENU, RADIO, CD, TEL, NAV, BACK, OPTION). The main menu becomes a vertical list on a dark background, with a finer display. For CarPlay on a BMW CIC, check for example the BMW 3 Series CIC CarPlay Box [2009-2012] at €249 or the BMW X5 CIC CarPlay Box [2011-2013] at €259.
NBT (2012 to 2016): the touchpad on the dial
The NBT uses the same ring of buttons as the CIC, but on most versions, the dial gains a touchpad on top: you can trace a letter with your finger to enter an address. The menu icons become flat, more modern, and the main list is accompanied by a preview pane on the right. A CIC and an NBT can look similar from a distance: look at the dial and the sharpness of the graphics. For CarPlay on a BMW NBT: BMW 3 Series NBT CarPlay Box [2013-2016] at €249.
NBT EVO ID4, ID5 and ID6 (2016 to 2020): the tile menus
The NBT EVO is a hardware family that has had several interfaces. It is the generation most easily confused.
- ID4: the display looks like that of the NBT (list menu), but the hardware is already of the EVO type. This is the classic trap. An NBT box is not designed for this configuration: look towards the BMW NBT ID4 Original Head Unit CarPlay Box at €349.
- ID5: the home menu switches to tiles, all visible at once on the screen, in reduced size. For a BMW EVO ID5 CarPlay, choose the BMW EVO ID5 Original Head Unit CarPlay Box at €349.
- ID6: the tiles become large and scroll laterally, with animated content. The screen is touch-sensitive on some models. The suitable box is the BMW EVO ID6 Original Head Unit CarPlay Box at €349.
Model-specific sheets also exist, such as the BMW 5 Series EVO CarPlay Box [2017-2020] at €249. The "Original Head Unit" boxes are classified by interface and cover 1 Series to 7 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, and X6, as well as the i8. In case of doubt, we will direct you to the correct sheet before you order.
MGU / ID7 (2018 and later): the large screen and digital instrument cluster
The MGU can be recognized by its wide screen integrated into the dashboard, its fully digital instrument cluster, and its customizable widget menus. On this generation, the BMW X3 MGU CarPlay Box [2018-2024] at €439 also exists for X4, X5, X6 and X7. A doubt about your configuration? Contact us on WhatsApp before ordering: we will verify compatibility with your vehicle.
Table: system, years and corresponding BMW CarPlay box
| System | Indicative years | Main clue | Box example | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCC | approx. 2003 to 2008 | Dial with MENU button, quadrant menu | 3 Series CCC [2006-2009] | €259 |
| CIC | 2008 to 2012 | Ring of buttons, list menu | 3 Series CIC [2009-2012] | €249 |
| NBT | 2012 to 2016 | Touchpad on the dial, flat icons | 3 Series NBT [2013-2016] | €249 |
| NBT EVO ID4 | 2016 to 2020 | List menu on EVO hardware | NBT ID4 Original Head Unit | €349 |
| NBT EVO ID5 | 2016 to 2020 | Small tiles, all visible | EVO ID5 Original Head Unit | €349 |
| NBT EVO ID6 | 2016 to 2020 | Large scrolling tiles | EVO ID6 Original Head Unit | €349 |
| MGU / ID7 | 2018 and later | Large screen, digital cluster, widgets | X3 MGU [2018-2024] | €439 |
The years in brackets are those of the product sheet. They may differ slightly from general benchmarks, as each model switched from one system to another on its own date. All BMW boxes exceed €199: tracked delivery is therefore free in France, Belgium, and Switzerland, and payment in three installments with Klarna is available.
What the CarPlay box keeps on your BMW
The principle of the box is to add, not to replace. You keep the original screen, the iDrive dial, the steering wheel controls, the radio, the Bluetooth, and the BMW navigation. The box simply adds an additional source: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wirelessly.
- The iDrive dial and steering wheel controls remain in place and functional.
- The original screen is kept, without cutting or replacement.
- The original reversing camera remains active. If your BMW doesn't have one, a universal reversing camera at €39 is offered as an option.
Nothing is visible in the cabin. Your BMW keeps its original look, with CarPlay added.
Installation behind the original screen: 30 to 45 minutes
The box plugs into the original connectors, plug and play. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for installation. A manual is provided with every order, and our WhatsApp support remains available during installation.
To remove the screen without marking the plastics, the disassembly kit at €12.90 is useful. If you prefer not to do it yourself, the option of installation by a partner technician is offered at €69. The detail of the steps is described on our installation page.
Verification on WhatsApp before shipment
Even with this guide, doubt may remain, especially between NBT and NBT EVO ID4, or between ID5 and ID6. The surest solution is a single message. Turn on the ignition, display the main menu, then photograph the screen and the iDrive dial. Send everything via WhatsApp to +33 7 80 96 56 50, 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with your BMW's model and year. Our customer service is in France, in Martigues.
We confirm the system and the suitable box before shipping. If, despite everything, the product does not correspond to your vehicle, it is taken back and fully refunded. You can also use the brand / year / model selector on the site. Shipping departs from France within 24 to 48 hours, with tracked delivery in 4 to 5 working days in total. Each box is guaranteed for 2 years, and you have 14 days to change your mind. Further answers await you on our FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my BMW is CIC, NBT or NBT EVO?
Look at the iDrive dial and the main menu. A dial surrounded by buttons with a list menu on a dark background indicates a CIC. A touchpad on the dial and flat icons indicate an NBT. A tile menu indicates an NBT EVO ID5 or ID6. In case of doubt, a photo of the screen and dial sent via WhatsApp will settle it.
What is the difference between NBT EVO ID5 and ID6 for CarPlay?
Both interfaces rely on the same hardware family, but their menus differ: small tiles all visible for ID5, large scrolling tiles for ID6. The CarPlay box is not the same. We offer an "Original Head Unit" box for each interface, and we verify yours before shipping.
Does the BMW CarPlay box work wirelessly?
Yes. The box adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the original screen. Your phone connects without cables.
Do I keep the reversing camera and the iDrive dial?
Yes. The box preserves the screen, iDrive dial, steering wheel controls, radio, Bluetooth, and original reversing camera. It adds a CarPlay and Android Auto source without removing BMW functions.
Do I have to go to a dealership to install the box?
No. The box connects to the original connectors behind the screen, in plug and play, in 30 to 45 minutes. A manual is provided, WhatsApp assistance is available during installation, and an installation option by a partner technician exists for €69.
What happens if I choose the wrong system?
Compatibility is verified before shipment based on your model, year, and, if necessary, a photo of the screen. If the product does not match your vehicle despite all this, it is taken back and fully refunded.
Ready to install CarPlay on your BMW? Use the brand / year / model selector to find the right box, or write to us on WhatsApp at +33 7 80 96 56 50, 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with your BMW's model, year, and a photo of your screen. We confirm your system before shipping.
